Top Ways For Introverts to Get Their Energy Back

“Introverts are people who think deeply, keep to themselves, and feel drained by social situations. Often found in their homes, libraries, quiet parks that not many people know about, introverts like to think and be alone.”

Yes, introversion is pretty much about enjoying being alone but that doesn’t mean we introverts don’t have any connection with other people. Introversion — and extroversion — occur on a spectrum. Which means that no one is completely an introvert or completely an extrovert.

So introverts can be seen with people, behave friendly or even have great social lives. Because introversion doesn’t mean you’re a shy, loner who never speaks to the world. Introversion means needing time alone to “recharge”, cause social interaction for us, is quite exhausting.

“People empty me. I have to get away to refill.” ~ C. Bukowski

So it’s okay for you to turn down an invitation — even if it is a quiet cup of coffee. Don’t feel bad about it, you just need to get some of your energy back. Let’s see how!

Whether it be photography, crafting, cooking, knitting, painting, gardening, or even coloring, introverts can benefit greatly by creating something. By testing their own abilities and patience and by having something — big or small — to show for it at the end, we enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

2. Shop alone

It may seem senseless to send an introvert out into the wild (especially when we were talking about alone, free-of-people time), but it’s not necessarily people in general introverts need a break from, but interactions with people that require a lot of effort. Sometimes getting in the zone at the grocery store or mall can allow introverts to check things off their list and feel accomplished.

3. Socialize in a small group

It’s not always that we need silence to recharge ourselves. Sometimes we do so by socializing with others — those others being mostly trusted friends with whom we can be ourselves. The ideal number would be either 2 or 3 people, never more. Too many people to listen and talk to, it’s the scenario that was draining us. We need to avoid it in order to recharge!

4. Take a long drive

Get into a car, or bike, or train, or bus, or even just start walking. Don’t mind the destination. Just focus on the landscape passing around you and let your mind wander.

Introverts are able to literally distance themselves from people and feel comfortable in their own controlled environment while experiencing the freedom of mobility.

5. Read or write

There is no better escape for an introvert than through a good book. We are able to get inside our own heads, or better yet, inside another world completely. In these worlds, real or not, introverts can retreat into themselves — a place they are typically the most comfortable — and gain energy from within.

Similarly, writing is a way escape and to express our thoughts and feelings in a productive way without having to verbalize anything at all. Like a conversation with oneself — with no lies, no unfinished sentences, no fear of not being understood.

6. Enjoy self-entertainment.

Being an introvert is kind of like being your own little one-person party. Which is actually pretty awesome, because we have no problem enjoying ourselves doing countless activities alone. The most important thing to understand about an introvert is that being alone does not equal being lonely.

7. Try single-person exercise

Take up yoga, Pilates, dance, or any type of activity that is both good for your body and good for your inner introvert. Meditation is not necessarily a workout per se, but it’s another way for us to regroup within ourselves and can be just as beneficial health-wise as other single-person exercise.

8. Listen to music

One of the easiest ways to recharge, even if you are surrounded by people, is by listening to music.

Choose your favourite songs and just let them take you away from reality. Well, not away away, but in a place between you and the rest of the world. Like being inside a crystal bubble! The perfect invisible distance we need thanks to music.

9. Clean the house

To be completely honest, cleaning the house is one of the most effective ways for me to completely recharge myself. There is something so rejuvenating about being alone and having free reign over your home — one of the most cherished spaces for an introvert. I love to turn on music, light some candles, and get completely lost in cleaning the house from top to bottom. It can take hours, but afterward I am not only recharged, but I have a spotless house to show for it. It’s a win-win.

10. Be alone with your thoughts

“Sometimes I am literally just sitting down and taking the weight off my feet while the same thing is metaphorically going on in my brain”

For me, sometimes is like giving voice to every thought, so I can conversate with them. I get the chance to see them with a fresh perspective, which makes it easier for me to understand what they mean, and why they are there. Other times is just making talking alone and looking like I’m crazy, hahaha, but it does help as well!

Sometimes (well, often, actually) we introverts just need a mental break so that we can come back with the energy we need to interact with people again. It’s just how we work!